Mega-yacht art gallery docks at Delamar, preview set for tonight

Written by Christine Chung, Post Correspondent
Thursday, 15 September 2011 11:00

Greenwich is not exactly a stranger to art exhibits and yachts, but this weekend will see an innovative combination of the two. From Sept. 15 to 19, Seafair, the world’s first mobile mega-yacht venue, will play host to Art Greenwich, an elaborate art fair spanning a diverse selection of artwork, from painting, to jewelry, and sculpture.

The event is organized by David and Lee Anne Lester of International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE), a couple who have been orchestrating art fairs worldwide for more than two decades. Major fair destinations other than Greenwich include Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Chicago, New York, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. All of their years working in the art industry culminated in their development of their cutting-edge concept of a floating gallery.

“The idea really came out of a need,” said Lee Anne Lester. “Many of the exhibitors wanted to be able to exhibit into smaller markets other than the major ones, mainly New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and so we came up with this unique venue.”

Holding an art exhibit on a large yacht such as Seafair also allows for much more space, 22,000 square feet of total room, more than half of which is dedicated exclusively to exhibition space. The yacht’s mobility also allows for the art gallery to be highly accessible, as it can travel to several different cities over the course of one season.

Strategics aside, having an art exhibit on a luxurious ship comes with many additional perks. The $40-million yacht holds the title as the fourth largest privately owned vessel in the United States. Designed by famous yacht designer Luiz De Basto, the interior does not disappoint. The ship has four decks in total, and nearly 30 exhibition spaces. Also featured on board are a coffee bar, champagne and caviar lounge, cocktail reception area, and two restaurants.

“It’s a beautiful, well-outfitted exhibition space that can hold up to 750 people at a time. It’s comparable to a five-story apartment building,” said Ms. Lester.

For the five-day period, Seafair will be docked at the Delamar Hotel’s marina off Steamboat Road. This will mark the second time that the exhibition venue has come to Greenwich, previously in 2007. Since then, the concept of Art Greenwich has been revised to encompass a broader and more eclectic selection of art, keeping in mind trends in the international art world.

“The general trend is a shift towards diverse selections, from antiquity to modern, emerging art. Collecting habits are quite diverse now, and this is especially visible in trends with international designers, who are mixing all periods,” said Ms. Lester.

The exhibit will feature everything from period paintings of the 17th through 19th centuries, contemporary and emerging art, mid 20th Century American and French objets d’art, and works from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Roy Lichtenstein. The fair will include internationally acclaimed art galleries from New York to London and Paris. Roughly 900 works of art will be on display.

Jewelry will also be a prominent part of the exhibit, and highlights include period 20th Century pieces by renowned designers including Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Yves St. Laurent and Cartier.

The price point of works exhibited will be equally variable with costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. The hope is that anyone who loves art, from budding art aficionados to seasoned collectors, will attend the event.

Visitors may enjoy Art Greenwich for $15 for a day pass, and $20 for a multi-day pass. Aside from exploring the galleries aboard Seafair, there will also be special events such as lectures by notable figures in the industry. Speakers include interior designer Tim DuPont, Hyde Collection Executive Director David Setford, and Antiques Roadshow jewelry expert Joyce Jonas. Also on the busy schedule is a wine tasting held by Art Greenwich sponsor Chamard Vineyards, which is available at an additional cost.

“It’s a wonderful time to see international art in a beautiful setting with spectacular views. It will be a great time lounge and enjoy,” said Ms. Lester.

Though officially open to the public on Friday, Sept. 16, there will be a sneak preview tonight, Thursday, Sept. 15, from 7:30 to 10, with tickets available on the Web site, Expoships.com.

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